Akashavani Layout gets water high in fluoride content

A majority of the residents in Akashavani Layout are compelled to use RO (reverse osmosis) purified water even for non-potable purposes. The water from the two borewells in the area is not fit for human consumption.

The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike sunk two borewells in the area recently. While water from one is contaminated with sewer, the Palike has put up a board near the other borewell warning that its water is not fit for consumption.

Chandra (name changed), a resident of the layout, explained that the borewells were the only source of water for them and they had no choice but to learn to live with the problem.

“We approached the BBMP officials and also other authorities concerned. They all told us that the only solution would be to wait till Cauvery water connection is supplied to the area,” she added.

While those who could afford purchase cans paying Rs 35 each, those who could not said they had no choice but to boil the water and drink it. “I need six cans of water a month just for potable purposes. For cooking, my husband fetches water from a place that is about three kilometres from my house,” explained Aruna, another resident.

Blame game

The residents said they had approached officials from various departments who only gave them a deaf ear. When Deccan Herald spoke to the officials in BBMP and Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), they only blamed each other.

BWSSB officials said the locality was listed under the 110 villages newly brought under the limits of the BBMP. “They are yet to hand it over to us,” the assistant engineer said. However, the BBMP officials in turn said it was the responsibility of the BWSSB to ensure that they were provided Cauvery water until the pipes were laid.
HC order

“Daily at least three tankers of water are sent to that area and the order from the High Court also says that BWSSB must resolve the issue,” said Srinivasa Reddy, Executive Engineer, BBMP. He said the problem surfaced two months ago. Tenders have been invited for cleaning the water bodies and work orders will be issued soon, he
said.

Dr Sachin Sinha, a City-based dentist and oral pathologist, explained that the presence of fluoride in water above 3 ppm level is dangerous. He said high fluoride content reduces calcium in the bones.

“It is not just that. The presence of fluoride can lead to the corrosion of enamel. The superficial layer will be destroyed leading to brownish discolouration,” he added.

While a few residents used purified water to rinse their mouth, a few others were no aware about the health hazard. “Using the contaminated water even for brushing the teeth over a long time will harm the teeth,” he said.